The McCook tribune. (McCook, Neb.) 1886-1936, 1887-03-17
His Second Wife.

al must say, Mildred, that everybody
I mean all you friends-were per.
tectly astonished at your marrying
John Vernon" sad Miss Lay, as she
tossed her gloves On the little table be-
lore her, and settled herself comfort
ably in her chair.
'.Au my friends. So that includes
You, of course" said Mildred, with a
little nervous laugh that was meant to
hide her annoyance.
Well" and Miss Fly looked
shoughtfully up at the ceiling, then
down again, Il confess l was astonish-
ed! In the first place your husband is
yerging on forty, an age quite unsuited
to your youth and beauty" with a little
complimentary nod toward Mildred,
VIII CHI the latter affected not to see -
''then you are his second choice, and l
have too often heard you express your
opinion Of widowers in general not to
be-
"One is privileged to change ones
opinion, l suppose" interrupted Mil
bred, quickly and defiantly.
.'Of course!' said Miss Lay, not at
all abashed at Mildred's look and tone.
but the question is how you managed
to uproot YOUR strong prejudice"
a don't think it absolutely necessary
Tor me to relate how the wonderful
change came about" said Mildred, i'm
patiently. and with a look of sudden
anger in her eyes.
Nov, Milly. there is no need of get
ling angry. You know I've always
ielt privileged to say what 1 pleased
without fear of offending you" and
Miss Lay elevated her pretty eyebrows
and regarded Mildred with q look of
amusement. knowing your DISPOSE
ton so well. ! can't help wondering at
your choice. Not that l find anything
Objectionable in the character of Mr..
Vernon" she added. hastily. seeing
that Mildred was on the point of speak
me-. but it must be Notifying, to say
the least, to a girl of your proud. sensi-
live nature, to have the virtues of Mrs.
Vernon Number One continually dinned
into his ears, for, of course, now that
she's dead and gone she had no faults,
pool woman," and the corners of Miss
Lays rosy mouth came down with a
sudden comical jerk that, under any
other circumstances. would have pro-
voked Il laugh from Mildred.
.sIf If Irara anU nna n1sn h1f 1yo1y
Lizzie. | wouldn't listen to such nom
sense!." exclaimed Mildred, with a look
Of lofty scorn, ''but knowing your friv-
olous nature so well. l can readily ex-
,use yOu.'
Knowing my good nature so WELL"
corrected Miss Lay, with a laugh.
Now confess that your husband is for
ever sounding the praises OF Mrs. Yer
uon Number One"
Forever is a long word. and l shall
confess nothing of the kind. because it
is not true" said Mildred, smotherlng a
strong desire to box Miss Lady's ears.
I'll wager anything he's called you
Helen a dozen times since you were
married." said Miss Lay, with provok-
ing persistence.
''lndeed. he has not. and if he should,
| wouldn't mind it in the least" said
Mildred, telling a deliberate .falsehood
with a placid face.
"And that picture" remarked Miss
Lay, indicating with q sweep of her
hand the portrait on the opposite wall,
of Il fair-haired, blue-cyed woman, Il
don't see how you can have it always
before you. Let me see, what is that
verse about. ''black eyes and blue?'
Oh l have it now:
The black eye may say:
Come and worship my ray,
By adoring perhaps you may move me-"
But the blue eye half hid,
Says from under its lid,
Il love and am yours if you'll love me-"
"Why not have your picture under
meath by way of contrast and label 1t
John Vernon Number Two?"
1T was my own request that the
should not be removed" said
Mildred. utterly ignoring the last
question, while the sudden ominus
sparkle in her dark eyes warned Miss
Lay that she was v~enturing too fairy
Don't mind my nonsense, Milly.
You know | was never serious in my
life, and l really couldn't resist the
to tease you a little this
morning. 1 am sure L meant no
~offense. Now. Mildred, please don't
assume that high and mighty air with
me, it never did have the least effect.
Well" seeing that Mildred still looked